The Heartfelt Loss of Grizzly Bear 399 in Grand Teton National Park
Beloved Grand Teton grizzly bear No. 399 tragically lost her life after being struck by a vehicle in Wyoming on Tuesday. This beautiful creature, cherished by wildlife enthusiasts and photographers worldwide, leaves behind a legacy of awe and inspiration.
Known as Grizzly Bear 399, she carried an identity tag in her ear and was recognized by her distinct ear tags and microchip, as confirmed in a press release from the park. Spanning nearly three decades, her life has unfolded in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
A Life Well-Lived: The Legacy of a Remarkable Bear
“People from around the world have followed grizzly bear 399 for several decades. At 28 years old, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” remarked Hilary Cooley, Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Her tenure in the wild has been a testament to resilience and strength.
Among her many accomplishments, Grizzly Bear 399 had successfully raised 18 cubs over the years—each a reflection of her nurturing spirit. On the fateful day of her accident, she was accompanied by a yearling cub, whose fate now remains a haunting unknown. While officials indicate that early investigations suggest the yearling was unharmed, the Wild West of Wyoming wildlife leaves many questions unanswered.
Community Mourning and Memorials
A Facebook group called ‘Team 399’ has emerged as a sanctuary for those grieving this loss. With thousands of heartfelt messages, members share their personal connections to Grizzly Bear 399, expressing sorrow and the indelible mark she made on their lives.
One commenter beautifully captured the essence of her impact: “So saddened by this loss. Iconic & will be missed. For me, she was my comic relief during Covid, striding through Jackson with her quads and police escort. While we were locked down and fearful, she roamed with a freedom we all longed to feel.” Each story shared, a glimpse into how Grizzly Bear 399 wasn’t just a bear to many; she was a symbol of hope amidst uncertainty.
Another heartfelt message echoed, “I thought this was a hoax until I read the article. She was the Queen of the Tetons and always will be. I never got to see her on any of my trips, but I wish to have witnessed her grace.” Such sentiments illustrate the deeply woven fabric of love and admiration that surrounded her life.
The park administration stated that wildlife vehicle collisions are regrettable occurrences. “Wildlife vehicle collisions and conflict are unfortunate. We are thankful the driver is okay and understand the community is saddened to hear that grizzly bear 399 has died,” stated Angi Bruce, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team provides sobering statistics on the impacts of vehicle collisions on grizzly bears. Between 2009 and 2023, there were 49 recorded fatalities of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem due to such incidents. This year alone, grizzly bear No. 399 is the second casualty of this nature, highlighting a recurring problem that calls for greater awareness and protection.
- From 2009-2023, there have been 49 grizzly bear mortalities (all sex and age classes combined) due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
- The average number of grizzly bear mortalities in the GYE due to vehicle collisions during 2009-2023: 3.3 bears/year.
- In 2024, including this incident, there have been 2 grizzly bear mortalities from vehicle strikes in the GYE.
“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary. Grizzly bear 399 has been perhaps the most prominent ambassador for the species. She has inspired countless visitors into conservation stewardship around the world and will be missed,” noted Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins.
As the sun sets over the majestic Tetons, it feels as though the mountains themselves are mourning. Nature, with all its beauty and unpredictability, reminds us that life is fleeting. Grizzly Bear 399 may be gone, but her spirit will linger in every sunset, every rustle of leaves, and every moment spent in the embrace of the wilderness she called home.
The circumstances surrounding her tragic accident remain unclear, and the community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved figure who captured the hearts of so many.
